Accident repair - right to new parts?

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Wed 13 Jun 2012 10:42
Accident repair - right to new parts? - guybrushthreepwood

I recently hit a parked car, leaving a dent in the door. When the owner got in touch, we agreed that I'd first try to get the repair work done privately as my insurance excess is very high. I found a replacement part from a breakers yard in near perfect condition (a couple of very small, barely noticeable dents which the bodyshop said would be easy to get out), but the owner is not happy and is now insisting that I pay for a brand new part. He is claiming that he does not know whether the used door will be safe.

The repair job will come to around £400 with the used part, as opposed to £800 for a new part. My excess is also £800. The car is 10 years old and probably not worth a lot more than that.

My question is, is the owner within his rights to insist on a new part? Or can I argue that, by fitting a used part in as good condition as the rest of the car, I have discharged my responsibility and restored the car to its pre-accident condition? Would really appreciate if someone could give me some advice - I cannot really afford £400, let alone £800! I want to do the right thing but don't want to be taken for a ride because the owner is being unreasonable!

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Wed 13 Jun 2012 10:49
Accident repair - right to new parts? - RT

The owner is entitled to have the car repaired to it's pre-accident condition - which includes existing 10-year old body panels - so no he can't insist on new panels - but it may make it inevitable that it goes through your insurer.

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Wed 13 Jun 2012 11:30
Accident repair - right to new parts? - martint123

The excess is only for repairs to your own vehicle. It does not apply to third party repairs.

Yes, the owner is entitled to a repair using new, undamaged parts. Wouldn't you feel the same?

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Wed 13 Jun 2012 11:56
Accident repair - right to new parts? - bathtub tom

My insurance states used parts may be used for repair.

If the other party goes through insurance he may get used parts anyway.

Edited by bathtub tom on 13/06/2012 at 11:57

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Wed 13 Jun 2012 14:05
Accident repair - right to new parts? - TeeCee

>> He is claiming that he does not know whether the used door will be safe.

Ah. Number 1 in the book: "101 excuses for the terminally thick".

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Wed 13 Jun 2012 14:55
Accident repair - right to new parts? - guybrushthreepwood

Thanks all for your input. I'm going to try again to persuade him to let me take care of it - it'll be cheaper for me, quicker and less hassle for him, and either way he'll still end up with a used door...

The only thing I'm wondering is, even if my insurer is intending to use second-hand parts, whether he could then get his insurer to fight this, and end up getting the OTT repair work done on his insurance and sending me the bill? Should I ask him for a copy of his policy documents so I can look for relevant clauses?

Edited by guybrushthreepwood on 13/06/2012 at 14:56

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Wed 13 Jun 2012 15:16
Accident repair - right to new parts? - RT

He's under no obligation to show you his policy documents - I certainly wouldn't in those circumstances.

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